Readout of Secretary Napolitano’s Visit to France

Release Date:

October 8, 2012

For Immediate ReleaseDHS Press OfficeContact: 202-282-8010

LYON, France—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, Under Secretary for the National Protection and Programs Directorate Rand Beers and Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Alan Bersin today traveled to Lyon, France to meet with INTERPOL officials to discuss the Department’s collaboration with international partners on increasing cybersecurity, combating transnational crime, and preventing human trafficking.

“Today, threats transcend national borders, impacting the security and economic prosperity of the entire international community,” said Secretary Napolitano. “We will continue to collaborate with our international partners to develop a cooperative and global approach to the challenges and threats we all face.”

Secretary Napolitano met with Secretary General of INTERPOL Ronald Noble to sign a joint statement on border management; a joint statement on the INTERPOL Complex for Global Innovation research and development facility; a joint statement reaffirming a mutual commitment to combating human trafficking; and a DHS Blue Campaign Co-branding Agreement enabling DHS and INTERPOL to work together to co-brand training and awareness materials, share existing resources and best practices, strengthen support for victims, increase regional partnerships, and enhance cooperation on combating human trafficking.

While in Lyon, Secretary Napolitano, Under Secretary Beers and Assistant Secretary Bersin also met with senior staff, division directors and U.S. officials stationed at INTERPOL. Later, they visited the French National Police Academy, where Secretary Napolitano delivered remarks highlighting the Department’s partnerships with the international community to share information and best practices and collaborate on joint investigations.